Cove Group Guide – Matthew 6:19-24

by | Aug 31, 2026 | Weekly Message Content | 0 comments

Cove Group Guide: “Where Your Treasure Is: Understanding the Heart of True Generosity”

Based on Matthew 6:19-24

“Two Treasures, Two Visions, Two Masters”

  • Matthew 6:19-24
  • Opening Prayer & Icebreaker (10 minutes)

Icebreaker Question: What’s one of the most generous things someone has done for you? How did it make you feel?

Sermon Recap (5 minutes)

This week, Pastor Jeremy taught on Jesus’ words about money and possessions from Matthew 6. The key message: Our relationship with money reveals our relationship with God. Jesus presents three contrasts:

Two Treasures: Earthly vs. Eternal

  • Two Visions: Light vs. Darkness
  • Two Masters: God vs. Money
  • The core principles shared:
  • Everything you have is a gift from God
  • Everything you have is owned by God
  • Everything is to be managed on God’s behalf
  • Discussion Questions
  • Part 1: Two Treasures (Matthew 6:19-21)

Jesus says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” How does this challenge the common belief that we should “follow our hearts” when making decisions about money?

Pastor Jeremy mentioned that earthly treasures “rot, rust, and don’t last.” What are some earthly treasures that our culture tells us will bring satisfaction? Have you experienced the emptiness of pursuing these things?

What does it practically look like to “store up treasures in heaven“? Share specific examples from your life or that you’ve witnessed in others.

Read 1 Timothy 6:10. Why do you think Paul says the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil, rather than money itself? What’s the difference?

Part 2: Two Visions (Matthew 6:22-23)

Jesus talks about the “eye” being the lamp of the body. What does it mean to have a “healthy eye” versus a “bad eye” when it comes to money and possessions?

The sermon mentioned three ways darkness disguises itself:

  • Greed dressed up as responsibility
  • Envy that feels like discernment
  • Using people as stepping stones while calling it ambition

Which of these resonates most with you? Why do these deceptions feel so believable?

What are practical ways to develop a “biblical view” of money that sees everything as a gift from God, owned by God, and managed on His behalf?

Part 3: Two Masters (Matthew 6:24)

Jesus says you cannot serve both God and money—not that it’s hard, but impossible. Why do you think Jesus made this so absolute? What does “serving money” look like in everyday life?

The sermon addressed financial margin and living within our means. Be honest: What are the biggest obstacles to financial margin in your life right now? (House payments, car payments, experiences, kids’ activities, daily habits like coffee or DoorDash, etc.)

Pastor Jeremy said, “Money is a great tool that God uses to grow us into trust and obedience.” How has God used money (or the lack of it) to grow your faith?

Key Takeaways

Generosity is a heart issue, not just a money issue. Jesus cares more about our hearts than our bank accounts.

Your investments will pull your heart. Where you put your treasure determines where your affections go.

Everything is a gift, everything is owned by God, everything is to be managed on His behalf. This is the foundation of biblical stewardship.

We don’t give to be blessed; we give because we’ve been blessed by Jesus Christ.

Practical Applications

  • This Week’s Challenge:
  • Choose ONE of the following to practice this week:
  • Option 1: Gratitude Inventory

Each day this week, write down 5 things God has given you (not just material things—include relationships, abilities, health, etc.)

Spend time thanking God for these gifts rather than asking Him for more

  • Option 2: Financial Margin Assessment
  • Review your last month’s spending (bank statements, credit cards)
  • Identify one area where you’re spending money you don’t have or on things you can’t afford

Make one specific change to create margin (cancel a subscription, reduce eating out, delay a purchase, etc.)

Option 3: Generosity Step

Ask God: “What do You want to do in my life and through my life with the resources You’ve given me?”

Take one specific step of generosity this week (give to someone in need, increase your giving, serve with your time/talents)

Option 4: The Beyond Commitment

  • If you haven’t already, spend time in prayer over the Beyond Commitment card
  • Ask God what He’s calling you to commit (starting to give, recommitting, or increasing)
  • Don’t respond emotionally—respond prayerfully over the next two weeks
  • Accountability & Prayer (15 minutes)

Share which practical application you’re committing to this week and ask for prayer support.

Discuss honestly: What’s one area where money has had too much power in your life? Where do you need God’s help to surrender?

Prayer requests:

  • Pray for hearts to be generous in response to Jesus
  • Pray for wisdom in financial decisions
  • Pray for freedom from the love of money
  • Pray for the Beyond initiative and what God wants to do through Shelter Cove
  • Closing Reflection
  • Read together: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

Final thought: Generosity isn’t primarily about giving God our money—it’s about giving God our hearts. When we surrender everything to Him, we experience the freedom and joy He always intended for us.

For Next Week

  • Bring your Beyond Commitment card to pray over together (turn in during Week 4)
  • Continue reading through the Beyond book (pages as assigned)
  • Reflect on the question: “What would radical generosity look like in my life?”